My latest addiction is the online site Facebook. This is a great way of social networking and keeping up with friends. It seems everyone is on Facebook these days, even the Leader of the Opposition, (who by the 24th November may become the new Prime Minister of Australia). He has 90,000 friends on Facebook. As I don't aspire to having the highest post in the land, I'm happy with my 16 or so friends. Facebook is a fun way of catching up with people you may not see very often. If you are pressed for time you can invite people to write on your Wall. This is a space on your profile that allows friends to post mesages for you and your other friends to see. Or you can keep in touch by uploading photos and letting people know what you have been up to.
There is provision to put down all the books you have read and movies you have seen. Or you might prefer to just send a 'poke' to someone, sort of similar to a physical nudge for attention.
For $1 you can send a gift, or choose to send something free, like a tree or a snowman.
There are a plethora of activities on Facebook for you to choose from. Apart from social networking Facebook can also be used to spread the news about a new business venture you have started. One softdrink brand (can't say which) launched a competition online with slideshows, video interviews and wallpapers and attracted a community of over 7000 friends. (The Sunday Times 30/09/2007).
People worry about lack of face to face content, yet conversations online are often much deeper and more meaningful than a conversation started at the 'pub'. Besides, most Facebook users seem to have face to face contact as well as meeting online.
Facebook also has a safety system where users are provided with the means to report any inappropriate comments. You can also choose what details you want to be made public.
Don't be scared of Facebook. Come on and try it. You can even add me as your first friend if you want.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Help! They are Murdering English
Recently I read a comment in an overseas paper, stating that foreign students studying in Britain will be educated in the etiquette of queuing. The Brits do the queuing thing exceedingly well, however the foreign students are not so well versed in this habit. Some cultures even hold a scrum every time a bus turns up, apparently.
As I didn't plan to write about this subject I shall segue to my main topic, the English language as spoken in Australia.
The letter L appears to have been replaced from the the word Australia by the letter Y. Australia has now become Austraya. I think this is unfair to the letter L and also it makes Australia sound even more like Austria. Is this a conspiracy? Are the Austrians now taking over Austraya?
Then there is the (wonderful) State of Western Australia (WA) now often referred to as Dubba u A. Oooh wait, doesn't that sound like Dubai?
I formally declare myself proud of the L, see how it stands up tall and straight. I personally think it is more upstanding than the Y. If this makes me a revolutionary and non conformist, so be it.
One more thing I find particularly annoying is using 'u' in place of the curly little 'e' as in uleven for eleven. There is a place for the Y and the U but not in Australia, WA and eleven.
I'm off to make and sell cheap placards stating 'down with Y, up with L and E.
As I didn't plan to write about this subject I shall segue to my main topic, the English language as spoken in Australia.
The letter L appears to have been replaced from the the word Australia by the letter Y. Australia has now become Austraya. I think this is unfair to the letter L and also it makes Australia sound even more like Austria. Is this a conspiracy? Are the Austrians now taking over Austraya?
Then there is the (wonderful) State of Western Australia (WA) now often referred to as Dubba u A. Oooh wait, doesn't that sound like Dubai?
I formally declare myself proud of the L, see how it stands up tall and straight. I personally think it is more upstanding than the Y. If this makes me a revolutionary and non conformist, so be it.
One more thing I find particularly annoying is using 'u' in place of the curly little 'e' as in uleven for eleven. There is a place for the Y and the U but not in Australia, WA and eleven.
I'm off to make and sell cheap placards stating 'down with Y, up with L and E.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
June is the cruellest month.......heralding winter downunder
I have never been fond of the cold dark times of winter. I would like to imagine winter as a time to rest and pull my energy in just as the bulbs do, a season where new life is beginning deep underground where it wont be seen until the spring. But alas all I feel is gloomy and cold during this dark depressing time. Then I discovered my feeling sad has a clinical name, Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD). This hasn't changed my feelings toward winter but at least I have a legitimate excuse for the way I am affected. Thanks to the wonderful world of the web I have found many suggestions on how to overcome this disorder. I can go and stare into special lighting fixtures until my head aches and I begin to see stars, somehow this isn't appealing. There are other high intensity discharge sources that buzz loudly, (affecting the ears) and are extremely bright. I'm already suffering emotional pain with SAD, I really don't want to cause myself further physical pain so I'm not going to confer with anyone who is a sales person for a lighting company.
Now that I know my condition is possibly caused by lack of sun and Vitamin D and a coldness that chills me to the bone, I am going to take action my way.
My Plan: Wear bright colours; catch up on those tasks that were screaming at me to complete all through summer; Enjoy the company of good friends over dinner and a nice warm fire;
Throw a Murder Mystery Night, murders are surely more enjoyable in winter! Catch up on reading and writing;
I can head North for winter or alternatively just do lots of sleeping.
Perhaps I could imagine I am Persephone the Greek goddess who was pulled down into the undeground by Pluto the king of darkness. When she was away from the earth, the cold north winds began to blow and snow covered the places where the colourful flowers had bloomed. The earth became dark and cold. Later Pluto allowed Persephone to return to earth and dwell in the realms of light for six months of the year, then the earth began to bloom, trees bore fruit and crops flourished.
If this flight of fancy doesn't help, I will have to observe parts of nature in winter that I haven't noticed. For example the odd shaped leafless branches of trees set against a wintry sunset. Or a watefall fresh and sparkling from the first winter rains. I can do it, I know I can,
If you have any suggestions, please let me know, I will try anything.
Now that I know my condition is possibly caused by lack of sun and Vitamin D and a coldness that chills me to the bone, I am going to take action my way.
My Plan: Wear bright colours; catch up on those tasks that were screaming at me to complete all through summer; Enjoy the company of good friends over dinner and a nice warm fire;
Throw a Murder Mystery Night, murders are surely more enjoyable in winter! Catch up on reading and writing;
I can head North for winter or alternatively just do lots of sleeping.
Perhaps I could imagine I am Persephone the Greek goddess who was pulled down into the undeground by Pluto the king of darkness. When she was away from the earth, the cold north winds began to blow and snow covered the places where the colourful flowers had bloomed. The earth became dark and cold. Later Pluto allowed Persephone to return to earth and dwell in the realms of light for six months of the year, then the earth began to bloom, trees bore fruit and crops flourished.
If this flight of fancy doesn't help, I will have to observe parts of nature in winter that I haven't noticed. For example the odd shaped leafless branches of trees set against a wintry sunset. Or a watefall fresh and sparkling from the first winter rains. I can do it, I know I can,
If you have any suggestions, please let me know, I will try anything.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A summer's day in Mandurah
Last Sunday was the perfect day for an outing. It was 90 degrees or so, the sun shine brightly, (obviously or it wouldn't have been 90 degrees). We decided on a short trip of around 30 minutes to visit Nath. When we drove up to the freeway we realized everybody else had the same idea. Where I live the locals either stay indoors or go travelling away from Mandurah to avoid the holiday crush. So bravely, we joined the holiday makers and drove slowly along the freeway. When we reached a set of lights ten minutes from home we had to wait, as you generally do at traffic lights. We sat patiently, waiting, waiting, waiting. After being at the lights for 40 minutes and being the clever detectives we are we realized there was a problem ahead. Then we had a bright idea, let's go along the coast road and come out further down the free way.
So at the nearest corner we turned and 50 other cars followed us. I felt a bit like Forrest Gump must have done when he was running and half the world followed him, thinking he knew something important.
Off we travelled in convoy, in and out of streets and laneways, once we even went on a dirt track, much to the disgust of my new car. Finally, we reached our destination, and surprise, surprise, the entrance to the main road was closed. Apparently there were road works happening and this was the reason for the hold up. Can you believe it? On a Sunday when every one is out on the one road to anywhere. I thought about going on the road less travelled but got lost once so I remained where I was. Eventually I turned around and headed back where we had come from. Cars were still following me and I felt as if I had made new friends that afternoon. Perhaps we should have stopped and had a picnic lunch with them all. That would really have been blogworthy.
After spending over an hour driving around we decided to stop at our favourite spot at the Marina for lunch and enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach. I'm not quite sure what happened to all my followers but only a few of them turned into the Marina with us.
Later that day we had a surprise visit from Nath. He had decided as we couldn't come to him he would pay us a visit, which was lovely. However, he came on his motor bike and as a mother I had to worry until I knew he had made it home safely. He messaged me the instant he turned into his street, before he went inside his house as per my instructions. Funny isn't it? our kids are always our kids even when they are 27 years old. I love that line from a movie which says, 'a mother holds her child's hand for a short time, but holds their hearts forever.' It was something like that anyway.
Well its summer downunder so I'm happy and can put up with all these small worries.
So at the nearest corner we turned and 50 other cars followed us. I felt a bit like Forrest Gump must have done when he was running and half the world followed him, thinking he knew something important.
Off we travelled in convoy, in and out of streets and laneways, once we even went on a dirt track, much to the disgust of my new car. Finally, we reached our destination, and surprise, surprise, the entrance to the main road was closed. Apparently there were road works happening and this was the reason for the hold up. Can you believe it? On a Sunday when every one is out on the one road to anywhere. I thought about going on the road less travelled but got lost once so I remained where I was. Eventually I turned around and headed back where we had come from. Cars were still following me and I felt as if I had made new friends that afternoon. Perhaps we should have stopped and had a picnic lunch with them all. That would really have been blogworthy.
After spending over an hour driving around we decided to stop at our favourite spot at the Marina for lunch and enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach. I'm not quite sure what happened to all my followers but only a few of them turned into the Marina with us.
Later that day we had a surprise visit from Nath. He had decided as we couldn't come to him he would pay us a visit, which was lovely. However, he came on his motor bike and as a mother I had to worry until I knew he had made it home safely. He messaged me the instant he turned into his street, before he went inside his house as per my instructions. Funny isn't it? our kids are always our kids even when they are 27 years old. I love that line from a movie which says, 'a mother holds her child's hand for a short time, but holds their hearts forever.' It was something like that anyway.
Well its summer downunder so I'm happy and can put up with all these small worries.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
People watching
I love summer evenings, when, after enjoying a meal we can stroll along the boardwalk, walking away the calories and savouring the sights and sounds of the neighbourhood. In some parts, life has spilled on to the pavements, music coming from cafes and restaurants, people sit outside drinking coffee, whiling away the hours, watching passers by. There are different types of passers by to be observed. Some who work the streets all night. (That is, garbage collectors and the like). Cars zoom by with the stereo volume turned up high, bearing number plates like, 'free spirit', 'fast cars rock' 'one night stand'.
Because Australians tend to live by the Coast or rivers, there is always the sound of the surf or a river view. Even the sound of the mobile phone is becoming the norm. People aren't usually phoning share holders and such, its generally friendly chit chat. For example, hello, I'm out to dinner just checking the kids are ok, or did we turn the gas off before we left? Ah! the wonders of modern technology, how did we survive without it?Someday I will write a book based only on these public mobile phone calls.
Sometimes there are family arguments which are hard to ignore as they waft across on the breeze from the river. I like too imagine that one day I will hear a conversation that is really worth eavesdropping for. For example, where are you now? were you seen? what did you do with the evidence? This is when I watch and try to remember faces, just in case I have to give testify in Court someday. Who know when my moment will arrive and I get to identify the chief suspect?
Usually, I just get to go home and sleep off the meal I have partake and the extra exercise Just being a part of the cosmopolitan crowd on a warm summer evening has been enough for me.
Because Australians tend to live by the Coast or rivers, there is always the sound of the surf or a river view. Even the sound of the mobile phone is becoming the norm. People aren't usually phoning share holders and such, its generally friendly chit chat. For example, hello, I'm out to dinner just checking the kids are ok, or did we turn the gas off before we left? Ah! the wonders of modern technology, how did we survive without it?Someday I will write a book based only on these public mobile phone calls.
Sometimes there are family arguments which are hard to ignore as they waft across on the breeze from the river. I like too imagine that one day I will hear a conversation that is really worth eavesdropping for. For example, where are you now? were you seen? what did you do with the evidence? This is when I watch and try to remember faces, just in case I have to give testify in Court someday. Who know when my moment will arrive and I get to identify the chief suspect?
Usually, I just get to go home and sleep off the meal I have partake and the extra exercise Just being a part of the cosmopolitan crowd on a warm summer evening has been enough for me.
Wish to make it happen
The new order of the day appears to be cosmic wishing. Apparently the way it works is thus.
One decides on what it is you want out of life and then ask the Universe to provide it for you.
It seems fairly straighforward, with not much effort or even the overuse of brain cells. Once you have determined what it is you wish for, you visualise it and it happens. At the moment it works for your own secret dreams, for example, a promotion or a nice new car.
Hopefully, when it is fine tuned, we can work on World Peace or eradicating poverty. Still, lets face it, most of the Miss World's hoped for world peace and weren't able to achieve it, so it may take a while longer.
It appears that celebritiies have been attracted by this cosmic ordering, so it has to be okay, right? I wonder what I'm doing wrong for it not to be working. I had thought to write it down but Im not sure who to address it to. "Dear Cosmic Ordering, or Miss Universe,' just doesnt seem to work.
I shall keep trying and just as soon as my wishes are granted I will be sure to let you all know.
One decides on what it is you want out of life and then ask the Universe to provide it for you.
It seems fairly straighforward, with not much effort or even the overuse of brain cells. Once you have determined what it is you wish for, you visualise it and it happens. At the moment it works for your own secret dreams, for example, a promotion or a nice new car.
Hopefully, when it is fine tuned, we can work on World Peace or eradicating poverty. Still, lets face it, most of the Miss World's hoped for world peace and weren't able to achieve it, so it may take a while longer.
It appears that celebritiies have been attracted by this cosmic ordering, so it has to be okay, right? I wonder what I'm doing wrong for it not to be working. I had thought to write it down but Im not sure who to address it to. "Dear Cosmic Ordering, or Miss Universe,' just doesnt seem to work.
I shall keep trying and just as soon as my wishes are granted I will be sure to let you all know.
Sleep my lovely, sleep
It appears that sleep walking has become so prevalent in the UK that staff in hotels are being trained in how to deal with the problem.
It follows an increase in the number of guests found wandering around in the night with no clothes on. A study by Travelodge found there had been more than 400 cases in the past year, almost all involving men.
Sleep experts blame stress, alcohol abuse and lack of sleep for the disorder.
The research, conducted in 310 Travelodge hotels, found sleepwalkers wandered all over the building.
A number had walked into the reception area asking for a newspaper or saying they wanted to check out.
Travelodge said it was sending notes to its staff on how to deal with the problem.
The advice includes keeping a supply of towels in reception to help preserve a guest's dignity.
Given the fact that the hotel door generally slams shut when you leave it, there is no way back inside without the key which I expect a sleep walker wouldn't have taken with him. So the best solution is probably to go to Reception and get help.
I wonder, do sleep walkers really walk with their hands outstretched in front of them? If not, how do you know they are sleep walkers?
It follows an increase in the number of guests found wandering around in the night with no clothes on. A study by Travelodge found there had been more than 400 cases in the past year, almost all involving men.
Sleep experts blame stress, alcohol abuse and lack of sleep for the disorder.
The research, conducted in 310 Travelodge hotels, found sleepwalkers wandered all over the building.
A number had walked into the reception area asking for a newspaper or saying they wanted to check out.
Travelodge said it was sending notes to its staff on how to deal with the problem.
The advice includes keeping a supply of towels in reception to help preserve a guest's dignity.
Given the fact that the hotel door generally slams shut when you leave it, there is no way back inside without the key which I expect a sleep walker wouldn't have taken with him. So the best solution is probably to go to Reception and get help.
I wonder, do sleep walkers really walk with their hands outstretched in front of them? If not, how do you know they are sleep walkers?
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Grim Predictions of Doom
It appears that when there is a new invention there are also prophets of doom who want to demonise anything new, as if they have an innate fear that it will be the ruin of civilized society. For example when Movies first began there was extremely strict censorship. If a man kissed a woman and they were near a bed, he had to keep one foot on the floor at all times so there was 'no funny business'.
The advent of Television was of a great concern, 'it will surely give people square eyes', they said. I see no squared eyed people yet.
Along came rock and roll. Elvis Presley was believed to have the power to corrupt a whole generation of young people as he gyrated on the stage. Even the Beatles were said to be harming the ears of the young, because they 'screamed loudly'. So did the fans I might add.
Even the advent of the motor car was of some concern. Apparently they were considered to be so dangerous that a man would run in front of the car waving a flag warning passers by.
As for the railway trains. There was a fear that the human body wouldn't be able to cope with moving at more that 30 miles per hour. Another railway warning stated that if the train travelled too fast the air would leave the carriages and people would suffocate.
Then there is the mini dress that Jean Shrimpton was dressed in when she appeared at the Races in Sydney. Apparently some fathers clapped their hands over their son's eyes so they would not become instantly corrupted. There is something there about responsibility for our own actions which I shall not go in to at the moment.
Computers once took up two or three rooms now they sit on the palms of our hands. Remember the Y2K bug in 2000, when it was thought the world as we know it might end?
Then came the Mobile Phone. I heard one man say that he often talked to himself and now felt quite 'normal' when he passed a mobile phone user as they looked to be doing the same thing.
Is society going down the drain through the use of the clothes dryer? No longer do we see neighbours hanging out their clothes on the Hills Hoist and stopping by for a chat.
The Ipod is now part of every day life, its easy to use and just slips in your pocket. The fear now is that Ipod users are becoming like Zombies, so intent on what they are listening to on their Ipods they are unaware of what is happening around them. Mabye all those old horror zombie movies are becoming true.
I love being in the 21st century and want to enjoy it for as long as I possibly can.
Glenniah
The advent of Television was of a great concern, 'it will surely give people square eyes', they said. I see no squared eyed people yet.
Along came rock and roll. Elvis Presley was believed to have the power to corrupt a whole generation of young people as he gyrated on the stage. Even the Beatles were said to be harming the ears of the young, because they 'screamed loudly'. So did the fans I might add.
Even the advent of the motor car was of some concern. Apparently they were considered to be so dangerous that a man would run in front of the car waving a flag warning passers by.
As for the railway trains. There was a fear that the human body wouldn't be able to cope with moving at more that 30 miles per hour. Another railway warning stated that if the train travelled too fast the air would leave the carriages and people would suffocate.
Then there is the mini dress that Jean Shrimpton was dressed in when she appeared at the Races in Sydney. Apparently some fathers clapped their hands over their son's eyes so they would not become instantly corrupted. There is something there about responsibility for our own actions which I shall not go in to at the moment.
Computers once took up two or three rooms now they sit on the palms of our hands. Remember the Y2K bug in 2000, when it was thought the world as we know it might end?
Then came the Mobile Phone. I heard one man say that he often talked to himself and now felt quite 'normal' when he passed a mobile phone user as they looked to be doing the same thing.
Is society going down the drain through the use of the clothes dryer? No longer do we see neighbours hanging out their clothes on the Hills Hoist and stopping by for a chat.
The Ipod is now part of every day life, its easy to use and just slips in your pocket. The fear now is that Ipod users are becoming like Zombies, so intent on what they are listening to on their Ipods they are unaware of what is happening around them. Mabye all those old horror zombie movies are becoming true.
I love being in the 21st century and want to enjoy it for as long as I possibly can.
Glenniah
Sunday, September 30, 2007
That which does not kill you, will make you stronger
My son has a propensity toward surprises. A good surprise would be the one where he hired a limousine and took us out to a revolving restuarant in Perth for Jamie's birthday. Today was a surprise of different proportions. A few months back he 'shocked' his mother when he announced he had bought himself a motor bike. 'not too big Mum, only 250cc.' (I think that's what he said, my brain was rather muddled at the time). Anyhow I came to terms with this fact and said just don't tell me when you are out riding it.
Today we went over to his house for a visit. He asked me to try on the helmet and the jacket and gloves I would wear if I were ever to venture on to his bike. 'you look great Mum, how about a ride now you are all dressed up and ready.' He looked so excited I just couldn't make an excuse not to, although a couple of reasons did spring to mind.
I have to say both he and I were very impressed by the way I was able to hop straight on to the bike and seat myself.
Sami and Jamie waved us goodbye and off we sped. Actually the ride was great, we rode along the beach front and I was even able to open my eyes and enjoy the view. There is something about riding free with the wind in your hair, or is it the people you pass by and you imagine how they must envy you. Anyhow it was a fun trip. When we arrived back home Jamie thought he should have a turn also. 'Che Guevara rode a motor bike' he declared. I wasn't sure what that had to do with anything but off they went and he too enjoyed his ride with Nath.
Afterwards Jamie and I discussed the trips we would like to take when I retire from work. We chose buses, trains and a car, strangely enough motor bikes didnt enter our thoughts.
Still I will ride again with Nath, I think he was proud of us and I'm certainly proud of me.
Glen
Today we went over to his house for a visit. He asked me to try on the helmet and the jacket and gloves I would wear if I were ever to venture on to his bike. 'you look great Mum, how about a ride now you are all dressed up and ready.' He looked so excited I just couldn't make an excuse not to, although a couple of reasons did spring to mind.
I have to say both he and I were very impressed by the way I was able to hop straight on to the bike and seat myself.
Sami and Jamie waved us goodbye and off we sped. Actually the ride was great, we rode along the beach front and I was even able to open my eyes and enjoy the view. There is something about riding free with the wind in your hair, or is it the people you pass by and you imagine how they must envy you. Anyhow it was a fun trip. When we arrived back home Jamie thought he should have a turn also. 'Che Guevara rode a motor bike' he declared. I wasn't sure what that had to do with anything but off they went and he too enjoyed his ride with Nath.
Afterwards Jamie and I discussed the trips we would like to take when I retire from work. We chose buses, trains and a car, strangely enough motor bikes didnt enter our thoughts.
Still I will ride again with Nath, I think he was proud of us and I'm certainly proud of me.
Glen
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Neighbourhood Hero
Today was a lovely warm Spring day and Jamie and I went to visit Nath and Sami. We sat out on their front porch, soaking up the sun and chatting. Have you ever observed an incident occurring and not taken in the full consequences? For the past half an hour or so there was a lady on the corner house who kept walking up to the huge iron gate at the side of her house and walking away again. We didn't notice where she went as were weren't really paying her a lot of attention. Suddenly we realized she was at her front door and whenever she left and walked back to the fence a small child began wailing plaintively from inside the house. On further observation we realized she was walking to the front door and trying to open it, then walking back to her gate and attempting the same thing. This was connected to the distraught crying of the child.
'I think she is locked out of the house' one of us decided. We watched her make two more attempts and then all agreed, this was the case. We held a small discussion about what we should do in this instance, then Jamie said he would walk over and break the ice as it were, find out what was happening and go from there.
He walked across the road and was greeted excitedly by the neighbour who explained her plight. She had gone through the front door and her 18 month old granddaughter had inadvertently locked it behind her.
Jamie and the neighbour walked to the iron fence and realized that neither of them could climb over it as it was over 6 feet high. Plus there was an alsatian barking madly in the yard, so certainly strangers wouldn't be welcome, in fact they may have even be eaten. Then Nath decided he was the youngest male and the fittest so off he raced to the rescue. Sami and I watched another discussion between the three, then Nath returned home and went out to his shed. Armed with a screwdriver and other tools he headed back to the neighbour. In no time at all he had unscrewed the huge gate so the neighbour had access to the back door. She was delighted and raced into the house, coming out the front door with the child in her arms and waving to the two heroes.
All in all another eventful Sunday.
'I think she is locked out of the house' one of us decided. We watched her make two more attempts and then all agreed, this was the case. We held a small discussion about what we should do in this instance, then Jamie said he would walk over and break the ice as it were, find out what was happening and go from there.
He walked across the road and was greeted excitedly by the neighbour who explained her plight. She had gone through the front door and her 18 month old granddaughter had inadvertently locked it behind her.
Jamie and the neighbour walked to the iron fence and realized that neither of them could climb over it as it was over 6 feet high. Plus there was an alsatian barking madly in the yard, so certainly strangers wouldn't be welcome, in fact they may have even be eaten. Then Nath decided he was the youngest male and the fittest so off he raced to the rescue. Sami and I watched another discussion between the three, then Nath returned home and went out to his shed. Armed with a screwdriver and other tools he headed back to the neighbour. In no time at all he had unscrewed the huge gate so the neighbour had access to the back door. She was delighted and raced into the house, coming out the front door with the child in her arms and waving to the two heroes.
All in all another eventful Sunday.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Music as Therapy
WIKIPEDIA, the online encylopedia, informs us that the history of music predates the written word. The development of music among humans occurred against the backdrop of natural sounds such as birdsong and the sounds other animals use to communicate.
Music has a profound effect on the listener in a variety of ways. It is a vehicle by which we can express many emotions ranging from sorrow to joy and happiness. It can be used as entertainment or for Spiritual worship and meditation.
Imagine standing in a huge Cathedral and being enthralled by the sound of a Symphony Orchestra. One cannot help but be moved by the experience.
Music Therapy is a growing health care profession, based on the belief that all people have the potential to respond to music and that music promotes emotional and mental health and well being. Music therapists use music creatively to bring about change and growth in people with the aim of empowering them to achieve their full potential.
The use of music in therapy has been found to benefit cancer patients, people with depression and children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Music is also a great stress management tool and can be used to help us become more calm and relaxed.
Perhaps the fact that music predates language is the reason that people like those with Alzheimer’s can relate to it. People with Alzheimer’s may regress in their cognitive processes, however, even when they are cut off and isolated mentally and emotionally from their families and loved ones and the world they once knew, music can be a vehicle to reduce their isolation by stimulating them through their senses.
People who are profoundly deaf can experience music by feeling the vibrations in their body. They may have never heard the spoken word, yet can appreciate music.
A BBC Report states, Researchers from Hong Kong found that children who were given musical training had better verbal memories than those who had not had music lessons. The researchers believe their findings could also help people recovering from a brain injury as well as benefiting healthy children.
Children relate well to music and movement. Babies become settled when they hear the sounds of their mothers’ voice singing lullabies. As they grow older music can help them connect and recognize the types of feelings they are experiencing.
Music is God’s gift to us, some people are blessed with musical talents, and others are blessed by listening and appreciating the sound of music.
Glenniah
Music has a profound effect on the listener in a variety of ways. It is a vehicle by which we can express many emotions ranging from sorrow to joy and happiness. It can be used as entertainment or for Spiritual worship and meditation.
Imagine standing in a huge Cathedral and being enthralled by the sound of a Symphony Orchestra. One cannot help but be moved by the experience.
Music Therapy is a growing health care profession, based on the belief that all people have the potential to respond to music and that music promotes emotional and mental health and well being. Music therapists use music creatively to bring about change and growth in people with the aim of empowering them to achieve their full potential.
The use of music in therapy has been found to benefit cancer patients, people with depression and children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Music is also a great stress management tool and can be used to help us become more calm and relaxed.
Perhaps the fact that music predates language is the reason that people like those with Alzheimer’s can relate to it. People with Alzheimer’s may regress in their cognitive processes, however, even when they are cut off and isolated mentally and emotionally from their families and loved ones and the world they once knew, music can be a vehicle to reduce their isolation by stimulating them through their senses.
People who are profoundly deaf can experience music by feeling the vibrations in their body. They may have never heard the spoken word, yet can appreciate music.
A BBC Report states, Researchers from Hong Kong found that children who were given musical training had better verbal memories than those who had not had music lessons. The researchers believe their findings could also help people recovering from a brain injury as well as benefiting healthy children.
Children relate well to music and movement. Babies become settled when they hear the sounds of their mothers’ voice singing lullabies. As they grow older music can help them connect and recognize the types of feelings they are experiencing.
Music is God’s gift to us, some people are blessed with musical talents, and others are blessed by listening and appreciating the sound of music.
Glenniah
Friday, August 24, 2007
finding my father
The new grey granite Headstone marking the grave of my Father’s parents in the Fremantle cemetery stands upright. Twelve months before my father died he paid to have his parent’s grave tidied up and the head stone refurbished. He didn’t realize how soon he would be ready to go to his last resting place. However, things didn’t work out exactly as he had planned. When my father succumbed to a stroke in 1999 my brother was in charge of all the funeral arrangements and his burial site. I trusted him. After all how difficult can it be to ensure a person’s ashes are placed where they are intended? For some time afterwards I imagined my father resting peacefully with his ancestors in the recently restored family grave.
I am not one for visiting cemeteries unless I have to attend a funeral or am doing some genealogy research. This however, happens infrequently. Although, in the last twelve months, I have been to more funerals than in the last ten years.
One day, my husband Jamie and I decided to go and visit father’s grave with my cousin. We found the gravesite with the name of my father’s parents and long gone brothers and sisters. Imagine our consternation when we saw no mention of my father. He was not where he should have been.
We decided the best option was to split up and search for him; well…. his resting place anyway. Fremantle cemetery was established in 1896, so there were many graves to peruse. Jamie and my cousin began searching all the headstones in the Baptist section. I walked across to the Methodist section where my mother’s ashes had been interred with her parents. No, there was no father there.
Slowly I continued my quest, enjoying the peace and quiet as I strolled through this last resting place of so many people. I wondered about those who had once lived and loved, worked, now gone, living on only in the memories of families and friends left behind.
Some graves had been left bare and desolate for years. Others were covered in plastic flowers, (dust collectors are what my mother called them). Some were tended often with tender loving care, as evidenced by the vases of fresh flowers and lack of weeds.
Yet others were worn with the passing of time, their named almost erased. No longer were there any loved ones left alive to tend their graves.
The inscriptions reminded me that death has no respect for age. The graves of little children and babies were identified by the statues of angels. Some born in the early days of settlement when the dry harsh land had been too hard and they had succumbed to illnesses that are unheard of these days.
I looked up at the sky washed in a multitude of hues; dusk was approaching. In the distance, a glimpse of the Indian Ocean reflecting the sun’s rays could be seen.
Suddenly I was brought back into the present when my mobile phone rang.
‘Come back,’ said Jamie. ‘We have found your father.’ Of course he meant the place where his ashes had been buried. I hurried back and as I ran I noticed some people looking at me as though running is out of place in a cemetery. Which I dare say might be. I hurried through the grounds, past the large trees, their leaves dappled by the fading sunlight. Branches spread out, protecting, covering those who lay beneath. Finally I reached the pair. They were quite close to the family gravesite but at a different grave.
Instead of being buried with his parents my father’s ashes had been placed with another part of our family, a part that we had long ago lost contact with. Standing and gazing at the spot we were very impressed.
Hi Dad’, I whispered, I thought of all the words we’d never said, now left unspoken.
‘Perhaps you can get to know these long lost relations,’ was all I could say.
‘This is a lovely spot’, murmured my cousin. ‘I wouldn’t mind being buried here.’
‘Neither would I’ was my husband’s response.
The grave was under a huge tree with shade for protection during our hot summers. It was only a few metres away from my father’s family and my mother’s grave was close by. I could imagine him peacefully at rest during the long nights, close to his family. Perhaps even closer than in life.
We decided not to have his ashes moved. We would leave my father where he was.
I don’t suppose the current occupant is really bothered, although I do wonder what the owners of the grave think when they visit and see a person with the same name as theirs, yet a stranger, buried in their family plot.
I am not one for visiting cemeteries unless I have to attend a funeral or am doing some genealogy research. This however, happens infrequently. Although, in the last twelve months, I have been to more funerals than in the last ten years.
One day, my husband Jamie and I decided to go and visit father’s grave with my cousin. We found the gravesite with the name of my father’s parents and long gone brothers and sisters. Imagine our consternation when we saw no mention of my father. He was not where he should have been.
We decided the best option was to split up and search for him; well…. his resting place anyway. Fremantle cemetery was established in 1896, so there were many graves to peruse. Jamie and my cousin began searching all the headstones in the Baptist section. I walked across to the Methodist section where my mother’s ashes had been interred with her parents. No, there was no father there.
Slowly I continued my quest, enjoying the peace and quiet as I strolled through this last resting place of so many people. I wondered about those who had once lived and loved, worked, now gone, living on only in the memories of families and friends left behind.
Some graves had been left bare and desolate for years. Others were covered in plastic flowers, (dust collectors are what my mother called them). Some were tended often with tender loving care, as evidenced by the vases of fresh flowers and lack of weeds.
Yet others were worn with the passing of time, their named almost erased. No longer were there any loved ones left alive to tend their graves.
The inscriptions reminded me that death has no respect for age. The graves of little children and babies were identified by the statues of angels. Some born in the early days of settlement when the dry harsh land had been too hard and they had succumbed to illnesses that are unheard of these days.
I looked up at the sky washed in a multitude of hues; dusk was approaching. In the distance, a glimpse of the Indian Ocean reflecting the sun’s rays could be seen.
Suddenly I was brought back into the present when my mobile phone rang.
‘Come back,’ said Jamie. ‘We have found your father.’ Of course he meant the place where his ashes had been buried. I hurried back and as I ran I noticed some people looking at me as though running is out of place in a cemetery. Which I dare say might be. I hurried through the grounds, past the large trees, their leaves dappled by the fading sunlight. Branches spread out, protecting, covering those who lay beneath. Finally I reached the pair. They were quite close to the family gravesite but at a different grave.
Instead of being buried with his parents my father’s ashes had been placed with another part of our family, a part that we had long ago lost contact with. Standing and gazing at the spot we were very impressed.
Hi Dad’, I whispered, I thought of all the words we’d never said, now left unspoken.
‘Perhaps you can get to know these long lost relations,’ was all I could say.
‘This is a lovely spot’, murmured my cousin. ‘I wouldn’t mind being buried here.’
‘Neither would I’ was my husband’s response.
The grave was under a huge tree with shade for protection during our hot summers. It was only a few metres away from my father’s family and my mother’s grave was close by. I could imagine him peacefully at rest during the long nights, close to his family. Perhaps even closer than in life.
We decided not to have his ashes moved. We would leave my father where he was.
I don’t suppose the current occupant is really bothered, although I do wonder what the owners of the grave think when they visit and see a person with the same name as theirs, yet a stranger, buried in their family plot.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Meeting my life partner
It was a warm balmy English Summer's day. I stood at Victoria Railway Station in London looking rather perplexedly for a sign to point me in the right direction. Suddenly a young (not unattracive man) spoke to me. Now I had seen him pass me and then come back again. Oh he likes me I thought, I know his kind, I will give him short shrift. However he did point out that I was meant to be at Victoria Bus station and not the railway station. This was helpful to me as I was awaiting the arrival of friends from the bus station. I felt I owed him, so when he asked me to have a coffee with him while I waited, I deigned to accept.We whiled away a pleasant hour or two until my friends finally found us.The conversation then turned to where we were going to go next. I chose the movies and my new friend said, Oh I have always wanted to see that film ( nod nod wink wink thought I). The others chose to go elsewhere and I felt that as it was early afternoon I would probably be safe enough to go with this gentleman to the movies.At the end of the film we went out to dinner and then he took me home. Outside the house he asked me, 'May I kiss you goodnight or should we shake hands." Wow! I was won over but didnt want to appear to be too anxious so I held out my hand for him to shake.
I was staying at the time with my girl friend's parents and when they discoved I had a male friend they were most concerned that this little Australian girl had met a man in big bad London. Immeadiately they invited him home so they could check him out, lol.They loved him because he cried at sad movies and knew all the really old hymns. LOL He could have been an axe murderer but he won the Mother's heart so he was IN.Well that was 25 years ago and we are still dancing to the same tune,a little bit slower now tho.
glenni
I was staying at the time with my girl friend's parents and when they discoved I had a male friend they were most concerned that this little Australian girl had met a man in big bad London. Immeadiately they invited him home so they could check him out, lol.They loved him because he cried at sad movies and knew all the really old hymns. LOL He could have been an axe murderer but he won the Mother's heart so he was IN.Well that was 25 years ago and we are still dancing to the same tune,a little bit slower now tho.
glenni
Monday, August 6, 2007
Mistake or Mis text
Cell phones are a great invention, I love sending and receiving text messages. Sometimes however, things can go slightly awry. I have two Helens in my address book, Helen F. and Helen M. I thought Helen F had been deleted so I rushed off a text message to Helen M while I was on holidays. Here is how the conversation went.
Me. Hi Helen, having a grt hol. in Melbourne.
H. Hi I dont no u. But glad u r having a good time.
Me But arent you Helen M
H No sorry m8
Me I have u in my address book. R u from Perth
H No Sorry
Undeterred I determined to soldier on, (message) on.
Me This is Glen here. Who r u?
H Oh Glen, u dag (lol)
It was then I realized I was messaging Helen F and not Helen M. So although it was the wrong Helen it was kinda the right Helen and it all turned out well.
There is a message to be learned here, I'm sure of it
Glenni
Me. Hi Helen, having a grt hol. in Melbourne.
H. Hi I dont no u. But glad u r having a good time.
Me But arent you Helen M
H No sorry m8
Me I have u in my address book. R u from Perth
H No Sorry
Undeterred I determined to soldier on, (message) on.
Me This is Glen here. Who r u?
H Oh Glen, u dag (lol)
It was then I realized I was messaging Helen F and not Helen M. So although it was the wrong Helen it was kinda the right Helen and it all turned out well.
There is a message to be learned here, I'm sure of it
Glenni
Friday, August 3, 2007
I love this old lady.
A SENIOR MOMENT A 98 year old woman wrote this to her bank. The bank manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in the New York Times. Dear Sir: I am writing to thank you for bouncing my check with which I endeavored to pay my plumber last month. By my calculations, three 'nanoseconds' must have elapsed between his presenting the check and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honor it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my Social Security check, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account $30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank. My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways. I noticed that whereas I personally attend to your telephone calls and letters, when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become. From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a flesh-and-blood person. My mortgage and loan payments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank by check, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you ust nominate. Be aware that it is an offense under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope. Please find attached an Application Contact Status which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Notary Public, and the mandatory details of his/her financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof. In due course, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me. I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modeled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on your phone bank service. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Let me level the playing field even further. When you call me, press buttons as follows: 1-- To make an appointment to see me. 2-- To query a missing payment. 3-- To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there. 4-- To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping. 5-- To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature. 6-- To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home. 7-- To leave a message on my computer (a password to access my computer is required. A password will be communicated to you at a later date to the Authorized Contact.) 8-- To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 7. 9-- To make a general complaint or inquiry, the contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call. Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement. May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous, New Year. Your Humble Client
A heroic act
We had been strolling along the famous Fremantle cappucino strip when Jamie and I decided to walk into Target. As we were turning into the store an attractive young woman turned in front of us. She walked inside and a man who had been strolling along the pavement suddenly veered into the store behind her and followed her up the elevator. Now I admit to having a sense of the dramatic, so I turned to Jamie and said I think this young woman is being followed by someone. We rode up on the elevator and followed the man following the young woman. "Yes" he agreed, she is being followed. We watched her making several stops with the man close behind. Finally I went up to her and asked, 'did you come into this store with anybody? After all, he could have been her father I was just giving him the benefit of the doubt. 'No' she replied firmly. 'I don't want to alarm you.' I said. "But that gentleman over there' (I pointed to the guy peering over the shelves at us) has been following you ever since you came in. She glanced at the man and then back again at me. Then she took to her heels and ran like mad out of the store. In retrospect she didn't know me either, so I guess she took the safest way out and dumped the lot of us. Even so, Jamie called me a hero and I did feel as if I had saved somebody as well as thwarting a prowler, so all in all it was a successful outcome. I like to think so anyway.
Glenni
Glenni
Mistaken Identity
Going to buy the weekly groceries is always an outstanding event for Jamie and I. As we traverse the aisles at the supermarket we always stop and chat to friends, new and old. This Saturday was no exception, I had a lovely long chat with some friends while Jamie walked up and down the aisles and filled our shopping trolley. The checkout was no different, Jamie discussed the price of eggs and bananas, (currently in Australia if you can afford to buy bananas you are counted as being amongst the rich and elite). Finally I had to rescue him as the lady next to him in the queue began telling him her experiences with her three teenagers. The girl at the check out was very happy to spend time chatting with us as well and I was relieved to finally be leaving the store.On the way out we stopped at a newsagent and left the shopping trolley close by. At last it was time to leave the Centre so taking our trolley with us we loaded up the car and drove home. Once there we unloaded the car and started packing away our groceries. Half way through this task Jamie said 'did you buy orange juice and ice cream?' 'No' I replied. I went to the bag and found that it contained nothing I had brought at the store. We decided that the checkout girl had put the wrong bag with our groceries. However when we searched the rest of our bags we found that they were all filled with someone else's groceries. It was very disconcerting, I couldn't imagine what on earth had happened to ours. Then we realized the mistake, somehow we had taken away another person's trolley and left ours behind. So we reloaded the car again and hastened to the shopping centre. Leaving the car parked in a five minute parking space we unloaded the shopping bags. I raced to the supermarket and Jamie raced to the newsagent. I was half way through pouring out my tale of woe to the girl behind the checkout when she interrupted me and finished my story for me. 'Go to the newsagents, they are waiting for you.' Back I flew to the newsagent and there was Jamie with our trolley. The woman behind the counter at the newsagent had taken out all our meat and perishables and kept them in the refrigerator for us. She realized we must have taken the wrong trolley and had taken down the other person's name and phone number so they could be contacted.Again, we pushed the shopping trolley out of the shopping centre to the cheers of quite a few onlookers, loaded the car and drove home.I don't know why strange adventures happen to us, I'm sure we don't look for them, but then again, who knows?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
6th Sense or if you dont wanna know when you are going to die, dont invite Oscar
The New England Journal of Medicine has documented the habits of an extraordinary cat named Oscar. Oscar was adopted as a kitten and grew up on the third-floor dementia unit, of the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence which treats patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and other illnesses. Dr. David Dosa, has detailed the story of Oscar a two-year-old cat who has become a telltale sign of death at the nursing home. So far Oscar has been correct in 25 cases.
As nursing home residents face their final hours, Oscar seems to sense they are dying and curls up beside them. Now whenever Oscar is seen to be lying purring beside a patient the nursing staff phone the next of kin so they can arrive in time to say their goodbyes. Some family members take comfort from the fact that Oscar provides a solace and comfort for their dying loved ones.
Other families ask that Oscar be taken outside while they say goodbye to a loved one, when this occurs Oscar is said to pace up and down outside meowing in protest. Although not generally known as a friendly cat, Oscar appears to understand the events that are occurring and wants to be involved at the patient's hour of death.
Is this cat psychic or is there a biochemical explanation as a doctor who treats patients at the home believes?
Glenni
As nursing home residents face their final hours, Oscar seems to sense they are dying and curls up beside them. Now whenever Oscar is seen to be lying purring beside a patient the nursing staff phone the next of kin so they can arrive in time to say their goodbyes. Some family members take comfort from the fact that Oscar provides a solace and comfort for their dying loved ones.
Other families ask that Oscar be taken outside while they say goodbye to a loved one, when this occurs Oscar is said to pace up and down outside meowing in protest. Although not generally known as a friendly cat, Oscar appears to understand the events that are occurring and wants to be involved at the patient's hour of death.
Is this cat psychic or is there a biochemical explanation as a doctor who treats patients at the home believes?
Glenni
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Another Trip
Only two more sleeps until Jamie and I wend our way across Australia to Melbourne. I'm wondering why we are going to a snow covered state and leaving Perth where it was 23 degrees celcius today. Jamie keeps reminding me that Victoria is a place of culture, theatre and excellent shopping outlets. And since there is never ever snow near Perth it is a good opportunity to go. So we are going.
The whole point of this blog really is to say that I wont be online for a week or two, but please keep coming back. I don't you want you to miss anything :0)
Glenni
The whole point of this blog really is to say that I wont be online for a week or two, but please keep coming back. I don't you want you to miss anything :0)
Glenni
A Big Country
Last month we went on the Ghan Train across the Australian Desert and Red Centre into the Northern Territory and finished in Darwin. We caught the Gold Service because there was an offer, one price for two people. On the Gold Service we were waited on, had our own sleeping compartment and had lovely meals in the Dining Car and when it was time to alight we were transported to our hotel and our luggage followed us. On the Red Kangaroo people sat up all night, had buffet meals which they paid for on the train and had to collect their own luggage. Darwin is an amazing place, extremely multicultural, lots to eat and if you don't think about imminent Cyclones its a very enjoyable place.Two hours before we were to leave to go home we met by accident with a married couple living in Darwin who were brought up in the same town as I was. It also turns out that I work with the wife's sister. It seemed amazimg to Jamie and I that of all the people living in the Norhtern Territory we should meet up with someone who has shared some of my own history. Stay tuned for more of our travels through this wide brown land.
Glenni
Glenni
Monday, July 16, 2007
Mondayitis gone mad
Apparently in Tokyo Japan last Monday a man was found lying by the roadside bound and gagged. The police initially assumed he had been tied up and robbed. Upon questioning him they discovered he had feigned a robbery and tied himself up because he didn't want to go to work on a Monday. This seems to be a great length to go to, simply to avoid Monday and set me to wondering how do we avoid Monday blues which seems to be a world wide epidemic.
Sometime ago in Western Australia people voted in a referendum on whether to permit Sunday trading by retailers. The answer was a resounding NO. Now if Sunday became a trading day similar to Saturday then maybe Monday would become a Sunday, would it then be easier to go to work on Monday? Or should we drop Saturday and Sunday altogether and work for seven days? then there would be no more week end and therefore no Monday as first day of the working week to dread.
An article in the Sydney Morning Herald (2003) noted that most Aussies are fortunate enough to fall ill on a Friday after pay day or a Monday. I wonder does it hurt as much to go to work on a Tuesday as on Monday.
Mondayitis is so prevalent now that there are songs written about it. Perhaps we could change the name to happy day, or even drop Monday and start the working week at Tuesday. I like that idea. Any other thoughts?
glenni,
Sometime ago in Western Australia people voted in a referendum on whether to permit Sunday trading by retailers. The answer was a resounding NO. Now if Sunday became a trading day similar to Saturday then maybe Monday would become a Sunday, would it then be easier to go to work on Monday? Or should we drop Saturday and Sunday altogether and work for seven days? then there would be no more week end and therefore no Monday as first day of the working week to dread.
An article in the Sydney Morning Herald (2003) noted that most Aussies are fortunate enough to fall ill on a Friday after pay day or a Monday. I wonder does it hurt as much to go to work on a Tuesday as on Monday.
Mondayitis is so prevalent now that there are songs written about it. Perhaps we could change the name to happy day, or even drop Monday and start the working week at Tuesday. I like that idea. Any other thoughts?
glenni,
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Success
Last year I attended a weight loss clinic called Sure Slim. The clinic is committed to helping clients achieve success. It believes that 'working together will help to ensure success in reaching set goals' I found this to be true. By checking in each week and meeting with friendly encouraging staff and sticking to my goal of losing weight I was able to reach that goal.
They even had a lifestyle programme for when I acheived my weight loss goals.
I now have a 'sense of well-being, renewed energy and vigour' as I continue on the path they have set for me.
Oh and the compliments I received, they make it all worthwhile. Its a great programme and I highly recommend it.
Did I mention the compliments.
Glen
its never too late to be the you, you might have been (George Eliot)
They even had a lifestyle programme for when I acheived my weight loss goals.
I now have a 'sense of well-being, renewed energy and vigour' as I continue on the path they have set for me.
Oh and the compliments I received, they make it all worthwhile. Its a great programme and I highly recommend it.
Did I mention the compliments.
Glen
its never too late to be the you, you might have been (George Eliot)
Is Road Kill Legal
Apparently there is new legislation via the EU requiring Scots to prove the sporran they are wearing was legally killed. This rule is to prevent endangered species being unnecessarily harmed or killed.
Anyone found wearing a sporran is expected to be able to prove that the animal was killed legally. I wonder if a sporran wearer can be nabbed at the airport and if they don't have a 'licence to kill' (apologies to James Bond), will the sporran be instantly seized from one's person?
Is the sporran there to accentuate part of the anatomy or are they meant to be purses where he can hide his keys and such?
Does road kill count? I mean if a poor Scotsman accidentally runs over a badger, is he then expected to write out a death certificate? Does that somehow make it legal?
Glen
Anyone found wearing a sporran is expected to be able to prove that the animal was killed legally. I wonder if a sporran wearer can be nabbed at the airport and if they don't have a 'licence to kill' (apologies to James Bond), will the sporran be instantly seized from one's person?
Is the sporran there to accentuate part of the anatomy or are they meant to be purses where he can hide his keys and such?
Does road kill count? I mean if a poor Scotsman accidentally runs over a badger, is he then expected to write out a death certificate? Does that somehow make it legal?
Glen
Sunday, July 8, 2007
A fishy story
Yesterday I was listening to the BBC radio reporting on the very popular Doctor Fish spa in Japan. Patrons dangle their feet in tanks of water filled with doctor fish which nibble the dead flaky skin and leave them clean and looking shiny new.
Wikipedia states, 'the term doctor fish is the name given to two species of fish which live and breed in outdoor pools of some Turkish spas where they feed on the skin of patients with psoriasis. The fish are like combfishes in that, they only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow'.
Personally I think I would rather use my foot bath which gives my feet a massage or spa depending on which button I press. It is not as ticklish as these 'nibble fish' apparently are, also I would be continually on the look out for other fresh water fish such as piranah, now that would really clean the skin off my bones.
Wikipedia states, 'the term doctor fish is the name given to two species of fish which live and breed in outdoor pools of some Turkish spas where they feed on the skin of patients with psoriasis. The fish are like combfishes in that, they only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow'.
Personally I think I would rather use my foot bath which gives my feet a massage or spa depending on which button I press. It is not as ticklish as these 'nibble fish' apparently are, also I would be continually on the look out for other fresh water fish such as piranah, now that would really clean the skin off my bones.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
A mother's instinct
Nathan my son went on his first ever trip overseas to Bali. As his mother I felt it was my duty to give him some good advice. I told him (a) hold your hand over your glass of drink at all times. (b) don’t take a boogie board with you, (an Australian girl did this and is now in jail in Bali. Apparently drugs were found in her boogie board). (c) no child of mine is allowed to die before me. Of course he agreed with all I said, as a good son should.We have kept in touch by messaging on the mobile. Everything was well with me until today. I had a particularly long session with a client and during the session my phone rang twice and I let it go to message bank, then I had a message on my mobile phone. Thirdly I heard a garbled phone message from Reception saying there was a message in my pigeon hole at the front desk.‘Oh I thought someone is trying hard to get hold of me. My blood ran cold, well that could be a bit of an exaggeration, but I certainly had some odd thoughts. Something has happened to my son. Mothers know these things you know.“Nath has phoned to tell me they have bombed Bali again!’ ‘He is in jail for some reason’. In an extremely stressed state I ended the counselling session, I could hardly wait to get out of the room. My poor client, I only hope she didn’t think I’d gone mad or was rejecting her in some way.Finally, legs shaking, breath coming faster, I raced down to the reception area to find out what the terrible news was.‘Oh said the Receptionist, I was letting you know the lunch you ordered was in your pigeon hole.The message left on my mobile was indeed from Nath. He had messaged me to say he was in a lovely village in the Bali country attending a traditional Balinese wedding and how peaceful and serene it was.Peaceful and serene, rather ironic I thought, when I had never felt less so in my whole life.
Its the little things that count
It’s the little things that count
Last week I was home sick with the flu. Everything always seems to be such an effort when I’m ill. I tried my hand at writing but that seemed too much effort, reading a book hurt my eyes, really all I wanted to do was lie on the couch and feel sorry for myself.
This week I’m feeling much more alive again and my mind has turned to all those healthy ideas you find in the magazines. The glossy pictures of fit healthy slim people seem to be saying ‘get out of your slothful ways, you too can look like us.’
Sometimes it seems difficult to set a regime to look after our health and well being, to exercise, to diet, to be consistent in daily devotions. I almost want to have a lie down again.
Yet really, we only have to make small changes to our normal routine and it wont be long before we notice we are healthier, fitter and ready to take on the world. The following steps may be useful for you too.
Step One, Have a plan, break it down into tasks and don't stress if at first you don't succeed.
Step Two, set your alarm to the music of your choice and wake up to something other than that horrid alarm clock. Also, setting your alarm 5 minutes before you need to get out of bed gives you time to adjust to the morning but not enough time to go back to sleep. Get up 10 minutes earlier and try some deep breathing exercises and some bending and stretching.
Step Three, Eat healthy. Include lots of fruit and dark green leafy vegetables which contain magnesium and will improve memory. Careful of the flatulence when you change your diet too drastically all at once though.
Step Four, avoid that coffee pot and try some Green Tea with your breakfast of fruit and whole grains.
Step Five, Start walking each day for 15 minutes and extend the time as you begin to feel fitter. Walking is fantastic for lowering stress, sleeping better and it is also cost effective. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes.
Some ideas for incorporating walking into your every day activities are:-
Park your car on the outskirts of the shopping centre so that you have to walk further.
Walk up the stairs instead of using the lift.
Put on some lively music when you are doing the housework and move and sing in time to the music. You might want to lock your door and close the windows if you have a voice like mine.
Step Six, Enjoy life, try something creative and new that you haven’t tried before.
Step Seven, Tell yourself its ok to say NO to some requests. Often we think we have to do something we don’t want to do and this leaves us feeling stressed.
Step Eight, Remember FAT (feelings, action, thought). Our feelings guide our thoughts and actions. Be on the look out for negative or unhelpful thoughts and change them into a positive.
Step Nine, If you fall off the wagon simply get back on and start over.
Step Ten, Spending time alone with God is the pivot that everything else in life depends on.
And remember, its never too late to be what you might have been. (George Eliot)
Last week I was home sick with the flu. Everything always seems to be such an effort when I’m ill. I tried my hand at writing but that seemed too much effort, reading a book hurt my eyes, really all I wanted to do was lie on the couch and feel sorry for myself.
This week I’m feeling much more alive again and my mind has turned to all those healthy ideas you find in the magazines. The glossy pictures of fit healthy slim people seem to be saying ‘get out of your slothful ways, you too can look like us.’
Sometimes it seems difficult to set a regime to look after our health and well being, to exercise, to diet, to be consistent in daily devotions. I almost want to have a lie down again.
Yet really, we only have to make small changes to our normal routine and it wont be long before we notice we are healthier, fitter and ready to take on the world. The following steps may be useful for you too.
Step One, Have a plan, break it down into tasks and don't stress if at first you don't succeed.
Step Two, set your alarm to the music of your choice and wake up to something other than that horrid alarm clock. Also, setting your alarm 5 minutes before you need to get out of bed gives you time to adjust to the morning but not enough time to go back to sleep. Get up 10 minutes earlier and try some deep breathing exercises and some bending and stretching.
Step Three, Eat healthy. Include lots of fruit and dark green leafy vegetables which contain magnesium and will improve memory. Careful of the flatulence when you change your diet too drastically all at once though.
Step Four, avoid that coffee pot and try some Green Tea with your breakfast of fruit and whole grains.
Step Five, Start walking each day for 15 minutes and extend the time as you begin to feel fitter. Walking is fantastic for lowering stress, sleeping better and it is also cost effective. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes.
Some ideas for incorporating walking into your every day activities are:-
Park your car on the outskirts of the shopping centre so that you have to walk further.
Walk up the stairs instead of using the lift.
Put on some lively music when you are doing the housework and move and sing in time to the music. You might want to lock your door and close the windows if you have a voice like mine.
Step Six, Enjoy life, try something creative and new that you haven’t tried before.
Step Seven, Tell yourself its ok to say NO to some requests. Often we think we have to do something we don’t want to do and this leaves us feeling stressed.
Step Eight, Remember FAT (feelings, action, thought). Our feelings guide our thoughts and actions. Be on the look out for negative or unhelpful thoughts and change them into a positive.
Step Nine, If you fall off the wagon simply get back on and start over.
Step Ten, Spending time alone with God is the pivot that everything else in life depends on.
And remember, its never too late to be what you might have been. (George Eliot)
Healthy Parenting
A Healthy Start to Life
‘There is powerful new evidence from neuroscience that the early years of development from conception to age six, set the base for competence and coping skills that will affect learning behaviour and health throughout life.’
(McCain and Mustard 1999, The Early Report: Reversing the Real Brain Drain, Ontario)
Since this report was published there is now a growing body of research which shows the importance of early brain development. How children are nurtured and stimulated in their first years of life is critical to how they perform at school and the path they take in life.
Research from The Australian Early Development Index is looking at the range of risk and protective factors that affect mental health and behaviour. More importantly, they are developing strategies and information programs to reduce these risk factors and support families and communities, for example, initiatives such as Positive Parenting Programs, Teenage Parenting Programs, Post Natal Depression programs, Community Health programs etc.,
The most important place, however, for children to be nurtured and loved during these early years of development is in the home. As parents, watching our children at play, we can see how they put in every ounce of concentration and energy. Play is work for children, through which they learn more about themselves and the world around them. They also learn life skills which help them throughout their lives.
Squeezing and manipulating toys, for example, will help develop their fine motor skills. Playing, hopping, skipping and running builds muscles and dexterity and generally promotes their physical development.
Play develops the brain as children work out more difficult problems and develop their problem solving skills.
Parents can use practice situations to show children how to behave. For example playing shops or sitting on chairs and pretending to be on a bus etc.
Playing games with other children teaches them social skills:- how to share, build self control and shows them how to cooperate in play situations so they are able to grow up to be respectful and independent adults.
Children love to play with their parents and this can be a fun way for both children and parents to learn from each other. By learning the language of our children’s play we gain a portal to their world and how they think. We thus know what is important to them and can give them the opportunity to learn values and beliefs through this context.
Our children are a gift from God. What greater role can parents have than to nurture and teach their children in a safe, loving and secure environment. In this way parents will offer their children the opportunity to reach their full potential and become the people God intends them to be.
‘There is powerful new evidence from neuroscience that the early years of development from conception to age six, set the base for competence and coping skills that will affect learning behaviour and health throughout life.’
(McCain and Mustard 1999, The Early Report: Reversing the Real Brain Drain, Ontario)
Since this report was published there is now a growing body of research which shows the importance of early brain development. How children are nurtured and stimulated in their first years of life is critical to how they perform at school and the path they take in life.
Research from The Australian Early Development Index is looking at the range of risk and protective factors that affect mental health and behaviour. More importantly, they are developing strategies and information programs to reduce these risk factors and support families and communities, for example, initiatives such as Positive Parenting Programs, Teenage Parenting Programs, Post Natal Depression programs, Community Health programs etc.,
The most important place, however, for children to be nurtured and loved during these early years of development is in the home. As parents, watching our children at play, we can see how they put in every ounce of concentration and energy. Play is work for children, through which they learn more about themselves and the world around them. They also learn life skills which help them throughout their lives.
Squeezing and manipulating toys, for example, will help develop their fine motor skills. Playing, hopping, skipping and running builds muscles and dexterity and generally promotes their physical development.
Play develops the brain as children work out more difficult problems and develop their problem solving skills.
Parents can use practice situations to show children how to behave. For example playing shops or sitting on chairs and pretending to be on a bus etc.
Playing games with other children teaches them social skills:- how to share, build self control and shows them how to cooperate in play situations so they are able to grow up to be respectful and independent adults.
Children love to play with their parents and this can be a fun way for both children and parents to learn from each other. By learning the language of our children’s play we gain a portal to their world and how they think. We thus know what is important to them and can give them the opportunity to learn values and beliefs through this context.
Our children are a gift from God. What greater role can parents have than to nurture and teach their children in a safe, loving and secure environment. In this way parents will offer their children the opportunity to reach their full potential and become the people God intends them to be.
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